India's Surveillance State Controversy: Amnesty International Raises Concerns

Amnesty International has raised concerns over India's review of a proposal to mandate always-on satellite location tracking on phones, citing risks to data security. The proposal faces opposition from major smartphone companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung due to privacy implications, sparking a national debate about surveillance practices.

Amnesty International has voiced its apprehension regarding India's review of a telecom industry plan that would require always-on satellite location tracking on phones. This proposal, intended to enhance lawful surveillance, has been criticized for potentially endangering the data of human rights defenders.

The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been pressing telecom companies to provide precise location data of individuals under investigation. To achieve this, telecom operators advocate for mandatory location tracking on smartphones. However, major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, have privately opposed the measure, highlighting privacy and security concerns.

The debate intensified after Amnesty International pointed out that location data could reveal sensitive relationships and expose confidential sources. The controversy mirrors past criticisms of India's surveillance practices, such as alleged misuse of Pegasus spyware, which the government has denied. The issue underscores a broader national discussion on privacy rights and government oversight.

(With inputs from agencies.)